Buyers resources
The buying process
Buying a new home should feel exciting, not stressful. Here's the whole journey with Westcott in three simple phases - from your first wishlist through to the day you pick up the keys.
Phase one
The decision to buy
The groundwork - working out what you want, where you want it, and finding the home that fits.
Write your wishlist
Note your must-haves, nice-to-haves and what you'd happily compromise on - bedrooms, bathrooms, indoor-outdoor flow, parking. It makes comparing homes far easier later.
Choose your location
Location shapes both price and lifestyle. Look at proximity to schools, work and transport, and get a feel for the suburb. Westcott builds across Auckland's established, well-connected areas.
Meet the team
Come and tell us what you're after. We'll match you to homes that suit your brief and budget, and share floor plans, specifications and pricing - no pressure.
See the home
Many Westcott homes are complete before they're offered, so you can walk through and feel the space. Where a home is sold off the plans, we'll take you through the plans and specs in detail.
Be the first to own
There's nothing like a brand-new home - quality you can see, nothing to renovate, and the assurance that comes with buying new.
Phase two
Finance & legal
The paperwork that turns the home you love into the home you own - handled with the right people alongside you.
Get pre-approved
A pre-approval from your bank or a mortgage adviser clarifies your budget and lets you move with confidence. Keep an eye on your approval's expiry date and any conditions.
Buy directly with our team
You buy directly from Westcott, not through a chain of agencies - so you get straight answers on price, availability and the next step.
Secure your home
A deposit and a signed Sale & Purchase Agreement reserve your home, with the balance due at settlement. Your bank or adviser will confirm the equity you'll need.
Involve your lawyer early
Get your lawyer involved early to review the Sale and Purchase Agreement before it becomes unconditional - always get legal advice before you sign anything.
Phase three
Settlement & moving in
The final stretch - a smooth handover, the practical set-up, and the keys in your hand.
Pre-settlement walk-through
Before settlement we walk you through your finished home as part of handover - showing you how the appliances, fixtures and fittings work, and noting anything that needs a final tidy-up.
Connect your utilities
Arrange power, internet (allow a few weeks) and your rubbish and recycling. Homes are handed over ready for you to personalise window furnishings, so measure and install before you move in.
Sort your insurance
Arrange house - and ideally contents - insurance to start from settlement day, and update your address on your other policies at the same time.
Settlement day - welcome home
On settlement the balance is paid, the title transfers and the keys are yours. You'll have a homeowner's handover to answer any questions, and our team is only a phone call away.
A quick glossary
Terms worth knowing.
Sale & Purchase Agreement
The legal contract to buy the home. Always have your lawyer review it before you sign.
Conditional vs unconditional
A conditional agreement still has boxes to tick, like finance. Once those are met it becomes unconditional and the sale is binding on both sides.
Deposit
A part-payment that reserves the home, held safely until settlement. The balance is paid when you settle.
LIM report
A Land Information Memorandum from the council summarising what's on record for a property - useful background before you commit.
Title
How the property is owned. 'Fee simple' (freehold) is outright ownership; a 'unit title' is common for terraces and apartments, with shared areas managed together.
Code Compliance Certificate
The council's confirmation the home was built to consent and meets the Building Code. Every new Westcott home is completed with its CCC.
Keep exploring
More buyer guides.
Talk to our team
Ready to start the journey?
Wherever you are in the process, our team is here to help with plans, pricing and the next step. Send us a note and we'll be in touch.
Auckland, New Zealand